Audit Committee
The USAC Audit Committee consists of five members: a representative from each of the three programmatic committees and two at-large board members, the latter two preferably with financial, auditing, and/or accounting experience. Minutes for the Audit Committee meetings are available online.
Members of the Committee
Name | Representing |
Geoff Feiss, Chair | At-Large Member |
Joseph Gillan | High Cost & Low Income Committee |
Brent Fontana | Rural Health Care Committee |
Stephanie Polk, Vice Chair | At-Large Member |
Julie Tritt Schell | Schools & Libraries Committee |
The Audit Committee has the power and authority to act on behalf of USAC to make decisions concerning:
- review of audit processes and procedures including the scope and contents of all internal and external audits;
- receipt and review of all audit reports relating to USAC or any participant in the universal service support programs;
- review of the manner in which audits are performed to ensure that management has interposed no limitations on audits;
- review of the management response letters provided to external auditors or other organizations on any weaknesses in internal accounting, organization, or operating controls, and approval of appropriate action;
- review of the annual financial statements and the external audit reports attached to those statements;
- review of and/or initiation of any other act necessary to ensure compliance with applicable law and the safeguarding of USAC assets, or prompt remedial action relating to identified shortcomings;
- review, evaluation, and consideration of the adequacy of the systems of internal controls;
- annual evaluation of the internal and external audits and consideration of the annual audit plans and reports;
- participation in the selection of external and internal auditors;
- approval and periodic review of the Internal Audit Division Charter;
- meetings with the Vice President of Internal Audit Division and the external auditors;
- review and acceptance of annual internal audit plan; and
- performance of periodic review of the Audit Committee Charter and self-assessment of Audit Committee performance.